2016 BMW G 310 R – First Look

on 12, November 2015

By

Jaichandran Jayapalan

Remember the G 310 Stunt concept unveiled by BMW last month? Well, here it is, in full-on production form! Ladies and gentlemen, put your hands together to welcome the all-new BMW G 310 R! This is probably the most important motorcycle for the German motorcycle giant in the past few years, as it seeks to gain a foothold in developing markets around the world. The G 310 R is the first product resulting from BMW’s much-publicized tie-up with TVS Motors. It is also the company’s first motorcycle with a sub-500cc displacement. It may be an entry-level product, but the G 310 R promises the latest engine technology and top-notch build quality befitting the BMW badge.

The engine employed in the bike is an all-new liquid-cooled unit that displaces 313cc, producing 34 bhp and 28 Nm of torque. The engine is placed in an unconventional manner within the tubular-frame chassis, canted slightly towards middle of the bike, with the intake facing the front and the exhaust towards the rear. According to BMW, this new configuration has many benefits. First, it helps in improving mass centralization. With the intake facing the direction of travel, air enters directly into the cylinder, thereby boosting the power output. This configuration also allows the usage of a long swing arm within a relatively short wheelbase, making it all the more agile while improving stability.

As far as dynamics go, the G 310 R promises exceptional cornering performance. It comes equipped with a tubular steel frame, upside-down forks at the front, and an adjustable monoshock at the rear, and weighs 158.5 kgs. The bike shouldn’t lack on the braking front either, as it is fitted with a 300mm disc at the front combined with a 4-piston caliper, along with a 240mm unit at the rear, with ABS as standard.

BMW motorcycles are designed based on the ‘form following function’ ethos, and the G 310 R isn’t any different. It is clothed minimally, with not a single unnecessary panel in sight. The design, inspired by the S 1000 R streetfight, is brutal rather than beautiful, which we’d say is typically BMW. It is quite striking, and would definitely standout amongst its competitors.

With the introduction of the new G 310 R, BMW hopes to attract novice riders into their fray, while improving sales in existing markets and expanding their presence in developing markets like India. The bike will be manufactured here by TVS, for worldwide export. Despite local-assembly, we reckon that the G 310 R could be priced anywhere between Rs 2.5 lakhs to Rs 3 lakhs on-road, given its premium badging. One can expect the bike to go on sale in the first-half of 2016. We can’t wait to get our hands on one!